OK, I’ve been watching the news a lot (too much?) lately. Of course, this year’s election fills many of those minutes, with poll number results and sound bites from candidates’ speeches. I keep hearing snippets of what these political folks pledge to do if they are elected president.

It’s got me thinking about things I would change, and not just for the country, but the whole universe! (A mom can dream big – humor me here.) Sure, I’d wipe out poverty and cancer, and make sure everyone has access to clean drinking water, but I’d also like to change a few other small things – you know, those little woes that pepper our days as moms. Nothing terrible, just annoying. Like these.

When you bump into a friend you haven’t seen in a while, and you ask about her children, that friend would show you one photo. Just one. Not all of the 291 pictures she has on her smartphone. And that one photo would be right there. You won’t have to spend those awkward moments waiting while she finds that perfect one she wants to show you.

After searching online for pictures of “raised red rash on child’s legs” to self-diagnose our own kids’ dermatitis (when the pediatrician’s office is closed, natch), we would have the instant ability to un-see all of those gross images of skin problems far worse than the one our kid is dealing with.

Okay, so we can't outlaw permanent markers, but luckily there is Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean scuff marks and dirt from walls, floors and doors.

Sometimes, calories just wouldn’t count.

All food consumed during a blizzard, the two days after Halloween, and the last two weeks of the year would be calorie-free.

What would you change if you were in charge of the universe?

Heather Chaet documents her mini parenting successes, epic mommy fails, and everything in between for a plethora (love that word!) of publications and websites such as CafeMom, New York Family, and AdWeek. While her online persona is found at heatherchaet.com, Heather lives in New York City with her film director husband and one insanely curious, cat-obsessed daughter.

All food consumed during a blizzard, the two days after Halloween, and the last two weeks of the year would be calorie-free.

What would you change if you were in charge of the universe?

Heather Chaet documents her mini parenting successes, epic mommy fails, and everything in between for a plethora (love that word!) of publications and websites such as CafeMom, New York Family, and AdWeek. While her online persona is found at heatherchaet.com, Heather lives in New York City with her film director husband and one insanely curious, cat-obsessed daughter.